Pope Leo XIV has condemned ongoing military strikes against Iran by the United States and Israel, warning that war cannot be justified by religion and declaring that God does not bless conflict.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Friday, the pontiff distanced Christianity from modern warfare, stressing that followers of Jesus Christ — whom he described as the Prince of Peace — must reject violence.
He said those who truly follow Christ cannot support the use of force, whether through swords in the past or bombs in modern times.
The Pope’s comments come amid rising tensions in the Middle East following renewed strikes on Iranian targets, which have raised fears of a wider regional conflict.
Rejecting claims that military intervention can promote democracy or stability, he argued that armed action would not create space for freedom or lasting peace. Instead, he emphasised diplomacy, dialogue, and coexistence as the only sustainable path forward.
He noted that peace requires patience and continuous engagement among nations and peoples rather than escalation.
The Vatican’s stance contrasts with the position of Washington, where U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reportedly defended the strikes using religious language, describing the campaign as a “holy necessity.”
During a prayer session at the Pentagon, Hegseth called for divine support for U.S. troops and framed the operation as part of a broader mission tied to justice and retribution.
The differing positions highlight an emerging divide between the Vatican and governments supporting the strikes, which have argued that the military action is necessary for regional security.
The Pope’s message has since gained traction on social media, with many viewing it as a strong call for diplomacy and a rejection of using faith to justify modern warfare.
